Thursday, July 29, 2010

With their main rivals winning, Home United had to defeat the Young Lions by hook or by crock.

That was what they achieve but they were given a massive scare as the Cubs - even when they named a few greenhorn to their first team - held the Bishan side scoreless up to half-time and then early in the second period, the Jalan Besar side took the lead through Faris Ramli.

The championship hopes of the Protectors looked gone for good before a surprise hero emerged from the bench.

Prime League forward Sufian Anuar is hardly someone who will ring a bell when the Protectors were looking for a goal source but the Prime League second top scorer and Home United Prime League top scorer was that man.

He scored after 10 minutes on the pitch before adding his second a minute later.

The Protectors were now 2-1 ahead and their championship hopes were back on the burner thanks to their Prime League main man.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

With Etoile FC 1-0 win over Sengkang Punggol 24 hours earlier, it was up to Tampines Rovers to match them to regain top spot.

That was what the Stags did as they defeated Gombak United 2-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Still, it was a tough encounter for the Stags as even with 10 men - after the Bulls lost defender Jeremy Chiang - the Bulls had gave the Tampines side a few scare before a second goal from Frenchman Benoit Croissant finally kill off the stubborn side.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Singapore forward Noh Alam Shah has been reported in Indonesian media that he has played his last game with the newly-crowned Indonesian Super Liga Champions.

He is already linked with a move out of Indonesian Super Liga with Thai Premier League club Chonburi interested in the 29-year-old.

One can only hope the former Stags forward do not let emotion get the better of him in his next move thus he should choose a financial-stable club like Baihakki Khaizan and Fahrudin Mustafic etc as it could be his last financially-secured move.

The move to Arema Malang must have been an eye-opener for him - in term of experience - but the price he paid - in term of financial - is too high considering his age.

Let look at what he might have paid

Reportedly on 8k-9k per month at Tampines Rovers but took a paycut of around 1k-2k as Arema Malang could not match it. Based on lower figure, he lost $12K

However, up to 1/3 of his salary was reportedly paid in IOU which I can say is unrecoverable as Arema Malang is believed to be sitting on a pile of unpaid salaries. Based on the lower $6k monthly salary, he could have lost around $24K

In addition, unpaid bonuses, which I will put at $10k min for accounting purpose (which is not high considering S-league Champions pay first team regulars up to $20k-$30k)

There is also CPF which Noh miss out on. Based on the employer 15% levy - It mean he is out of pocket another $8100 and taking into account the 2.5% interest on ordinary account only, he could have lost a five-figure sum when he withdraw the sum in 25 years time. This will be put at $14k

After the employer levy come the employee amount with it being 20%, it amount to $10800 and taking into account the 2.5% interest on ordinary account as well, the amount will be around $17k

In all, Noh could have lost $77 k min in extra earning.

Is it any wonder then that Noh is linked with a move elsewhere especially outside of Indonesia for the number of ISL financial-stable clubs are not that numerous.

Former Stallions and Stags defender Shariff Abdul Samat could be a former Protectors come next season.

SPH Straits Times reported the 26-year-old have clashed with his fellow national mate Lionel Lewis and, more importantly, the coach of Home United, Paul Lee.

If the Korean coach short history (with clashes with Peres and Nelson) with the Protectors is any guide, Shariff Abdul Samat should be looking for a new club now as it is unlikely the Korean will be gone next season; which of course mean he might be.

But with a history of trouble at a number of former clubs, he will not be an attractive option for those with cash as once again he was reported to have been given time off to deal with personal issues.

The time have surely come for the (not so young) defender to make a decision on the direction of his football career.

After all, he has been touted as a future Lions since his S-league debut but he has not gain a single international cap despite nearly 9 years of football (Interrupted several times due to his many personal problems)

Singapore forward Qi Li season is over as he has been deem to have damage his knee ligaments against Balestier Khalsa.

The Stags will now depend on Khariul Amri and Aleksandar Duric to lead their attack for the remainder of the season.

It also mean Coach Raddy, if he has any plan for Qiu Li, will have to go back to the drawing board as the Lions will not be including Qiu Li in the August trip to Serbia and possibility the AFF Cup Campaign in December as well.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Balestier Khalsa vs Albirex Niigata (S)
The Tigers are in a rut and they have no way of getting out of it. Rivaldo whose goals have proved decisive in the Tigers season thus far have dry up and the Toa Poyah side have nobody to replace it. Not helping is the direct style of the Tigers (as their two central defenders had learn their trade from that region) which opponents know how to counter. Without an alternative as they have no midfielders who can play the short passes, they are now virtually toothless. It looked like a bad time to play 1 of the in-form team of the moment, Albirex Niigata (S). 2-0 to the White Swans

Etoile FC vs Sengkang Punggol
An in-form team against an out-of-sort team and that out-of-sort team is not Sengkang Punggol. It is Etoile FC with only 2 wins from their last 5 matches - that also saw 2 defeats. It has seem the French lost top spot and they cannot afford anymore slip. But it is asking too much for the Dolphins to take all 3 points from the French as even with 2 win on the trot (thus counting Hougang side as on-form as how often do they do that in their history) they still have problems with putting ball into the net. Their only saving grace is, since the inclusion of Kenji Arai, they have tighten up at the back. A draw will be like a win for the Dolphins. o-o draw

Gombak United vs Tampines Rovers
The Stags face 1 of the toughest assignment as they looked to finish off their season on a high now with a championship crown at the end of it. The Bulls are beatable when matched man to man with the Stags but their strength lie in the fact they do not concede many (as well as scored as few). So the Stags have to score the first goal or find it impossible to break down a Bulls side that will not come out to attack as the match drag on. The Stags need no reminding that the last time they play such a side was the Eastern Derby - where the Eagles is near-replica of the Bulls - and what happen in that match. 1-0 to the Stags (as they need the win and they find a way to score as Khariul and Duric will have to make up for Qiu Li loss.)

Home United vs Young Lions
Nothing have changed for the Protectors. It is still win or bust for while former leaders Etoile FC have slip up, they are still in a better position than the Protectors and the team that took full advantage was the Stags. The Cubs are beatable with the squad the Protectors have. No excuse, they must win. 3-2 win for Home United

Geylang United vs Albirex Niigata (S)
The Eagles found the net twice against soon-to-be-former champions SAFFC and that was a miracle. I am not talking about the win but the fact the Eagles scored twice. Nothing have changed though in my eye about the Eagles that they are a team that valued safety first. The White Swans lacked the experience to break down such a side thus the question is if the Eagles will get a goal. They might as the White Swans do give opponents their chances as they are still learning the trade. The Japanese side could pay the price. 1-0 to the Eagles

Balestier Khalsa vs Gombak United
The Bulls are inconsistent and I do wish to not back them due to that factor. But even they cannot mess up against the free-falling Tigers. Lacked of goals with only 5 goals in their last 12 matches, the Tigers are finding it hard to dug themselves a rescue route from their hole. In the meantime, the Bulls have national forwards Agu and Farzul as well as new-found Nigerian striker Eddoh so they are worth a goal. Surely, they cannot mess this up. 1-0 to the Bulls

Tampines Rovers vs SAFFC
SAFFC could be facing the side that is taking away their crown. They could derail the championship march of the Stags as they do have the strength. However they are not playing anymore near that potential even when they were defeating sides like Albirex Niigata (S) or Beijing Gouan (S) let alone now when they are crashing to defeat after defeat. It is the second tough match up for the Stags this week but if they want to be champions, these are the matches they must (and not will) win. Same answer - Khariul and Duric will have to make up for Qiu Li loss. 3-1 to the Stags.

This is no doubt aim at strengthening their squad for the upcoming AFF Cup after their Asian Cup qualifiers humiliation with the Indonesians set to miss the Finals for the first time since 1992.

In addition, Indonesia main striker Bambung is ageing and the Indonesia National team have been looking for his successor for a while now without any success.

With this move, it will give the Indonesian team a good striker, if not a good strike force, as the Indonesian Super Liga is still not producing the next generation of good forwards thus their attack will now fall on the new Indonesian forward shoulder after Bambung is gone.

However, I knew the Lions lacked a pivotal man as Qiu Li cannot represent the Lions until after the ACQ and Duric is nearly 40 now thus he lacked the stamina for such a system.

That why, since then, I have waited anxiously for Qiu Li to return to the Lions fold.

I was expecting to see him make his AFF Cup debut in December and with it, the return of the 4-5-1 system.

Now I am not sure if Raddy will be willing to give 4-5-1 it chance as the rest of the Lions main forward line – Agu, Noh, Frazul and Khariul – consists of players who are more comfortable playing with two forwards.

Looking at the positive on this matter, this expose the weakness of the Lions in term of squad strength and now is the time for FAS to start thinking how we can export the 4-5-1 to our clubs as many of them are still playing with a two forwards line. (Gombak and Tampines etc)

For those who do play with one forward, it is either overly negative (like our ‘attacking’ Geylang United) or the sole forward is a foreigner (SAFFC Uruguayan flop)

So in a way, the Young Lions programme can now be credited as Khariul Nizam is exposed to playing as a sole forward with the Jalan Besar team; which may not happen elsewhere.

Another is Khalili D’cruz, who may have to build up more muscles, and I hope he will be given his chance as the sole forward in future.

They may not be ready for the AFF Cup in December but they can give us the squad strength (2013 is my target for them) if their developments work up well.

Still, the long term plan should be ensuring all S-league clubs adopt the nation style of play like Home United; who has given Raddy another choice with Shahril Ishak as the pivotal man at the Protectors and both club and player are excelling in it.

So the 4-5-1 may still see it day at AFF Cup thanks to the Bishan club.

Both Tampines Rovers and the Lions have suffered a terrible blow as forward Qiu Li could be out for the rest of the season.

According to SPH Straits Times, the 29-year-old is believed to have suffered ACL and LCL injuries and such injuries take up to 6 months to recover although it is not surprising if it take as long as 1 year.

It has not only hurt Tampines Rovers championship hopes this season but the Lions hopes in the AFF Cup in December.

The Lions, who have been struggling in the 4-4-2 system, could have played the 4-5-1 system again with Qiu Li as the pivotal man.

Duric, whose age count against him, is the only Lions capable of playing in this system and the Lions coach Raddy could face a tough decision when picking his squad on whether to ask Duric to extend his career by another month.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Young Lions vs Woodlands Wellington
Young Lions captain Hariss Harun is back and well-rested and he could be the key to whether the Cubs go back to their winning ways. Sundram have to show more courage and play the established international in midfield where he can drive the Cubs like last week; when two goals down, he went back to his midfielder role late in the game and nearly inspired an incredible comeback. Hariss Harun is that good and should be given his role at the heart of midfield now when the Cubs need it. If Sundram do that, then picking off the Rams will not be a problem as nobody in the Rams engine room can match Hariss Harun. 3-1 to Cubs (If their skipper play in midfield)

SAFFC vs Geylang United
The Warriors will be shorthanded in attack as both Latiff and Wilkinson had collected their seventh yellow. So the rest of the team will have to step up and be counted. One player looking to do that will be Indra as he must be looking to atone for his penalty miss last week. Is that good enough? I think so as the Warriors still have the likes of Jerkovic, Park, Mustaqim and Taisuke etc and they looked good enough to overpower an Eagles side known more for their defending than attacking. Score first and the Eagles will be beaten. 1-0 to SAFFC

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Tampines Rovers
The Stags will be missing their topscorer Qiu Li but there is still no excuse they cannot win this game. Their squad is still superior to their opponent even without the Lions forward. If they cannot defeat the White Swans, just because Qiu Li is not playing, then they should give up their championship hopes. They are that good even without 1 or 2 of their established players and they need to prove it. 3-1 to Tampines Rovers

Beijing Gouan (S) vs Etoile FC
The Stags should have taken top spot already but no fear for Etoile FC. They can win it back with a win over Beijing and one cannot see them failing. The Chinese side are outmatched for this encounter and the French will get their 3 points. 3-0 to Etoile FC

Sengkang Punggol vs Balestier Khalsa
The Tiger are going through a rut at the moment and need an easy team. Then, the Dolphins game have come in time as like the Rams game, almost, 3 weeks ago, they are beatable and the Tigers have the strength to achieve that outcome. Rivaldo is the key while the Dolphins have none of that. 2-0 to Balestier Khalsa

Woodlands Wellington vs Beijing Gouan (S)
During the last encounter, I had went for Woodlands Wellington due to Abdelhadi Laakkad factor and although it did not work out as the Rams defence generously gave the Chinese side two goals in return, I am willing to pump for the Rams again. First, this is not the same Chinese side as their best players were recruited for their Olympic team. Second, the Rams have shown they can hold out against teams without an established attack and that is Beijing weakness. They no longer have a threat like Tan Tiancheng. So the Abdelhadi Laakkad factor may work out this time round. 2-0 to Woodlands Wellington

Friday, July 16, 2010

He only needed one more goal to reach the figure 200. Second, it was against his former club Home United where he got his 100th back in 2003 and it was the Uniform Derby .

Finally, like in 2003 when he scored a hat-trick, the match was to be telecast LIVE and he could get that all important goal and the nation will be watching it.

But nobody told Shahril Ishak the script as he wrote one for himself.

The Singaporean international stole the show with him scoring a hat-trick and providing the assists for the other two Home goals that saw the Bishan club crushed SAFFC 5-2 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

It was an amazing individual performance that could have push Home United back into the title race.

Right from the start, Home were the better side and they got the breakthrough after 9 minutes as Shahril Ishak broke the night of another Lions, Shahril Jantan as he rose to head in the opener from a corner; ahead of the Warriors custodian who came out to gather but was beaten to it.

But it was nothing compare to Shahril Ishak second as the 26-year-old broke the offside trap and when one-on-one with the Warriors custodian, he went past him but instead shooting, he stop, as there was two defenders back already, then while choosing his spot and time he chose to dribble past Shahril Jantan again, the Warriors custodian was back on his feet and trying to stop the Home midfielder, and his time, he did shoot and score thus beating the three players trying to stop him.

It was incredible and a testimonial to his skill and abilities which have been talked about since he make his S-league debut back in 2003 with the Young Lions.

After that, Home nearly threw it away at the end of the half as they conceded a penalty and up step Indra Sahdan, who have sized the moment, but the former Lions send his kick wide of the goal and it sum up his night which was overshadow by the brilliance of Shahril Ishak.

If the Warriors thought they could regroup after the break, they were broken after just a minute after the restart as Shahril Ishak speed off on the flank from a through ball and send in a cross that Korean Jun Woo Keun could not miss with the entire goal at his mercy.

But like the period after their second goal, the Protectors lost focus and allowed the Warriors a lifeline as John Wilkinson broke the offside trap to go one-on-one with Lionel Lewis and this Lions was more direct as he blasted the ball past the Home custodian.

However, there was no denying Shahril Ishak his hat-trick and the match ball as he played a wonderful one-two with Korean Jun Woo Keun, who repay Shahril Ishak for his assist.

Shahril Ishak first back fie the ball to Jun who then lifted it over the Warriors backline, with Shahril still running, and the Singaporean was through on goal and he fool Shahril Jantan who may have thought the midfielder may pass but he shoot past the Warriors custodian instead.

It was now 4-1 and you guess it, the Protectors lost focus once again as the Warriors went back up and got a penalty almost immediately.

This time Indra will not take it and it was up to Park Tae Won.

The Korean did not disappoint as he dispatch it into the net.

After all that, one could have thought the excitement will slow down after such a high pace game but it never did and the Warriors and Protectors still went at each other with the game on the edge.

The last word had to come from Shahril Ishak as he broke the Warriors offside trap for the final time in the game and despite having the chance to score a fourth, he set it nicely for Shahdan Sulaiman to get the credit.

Overall though, there was no denying who deserves the biggest credit on the night and it must be Shahril Ishak who looked to have finally justify his abilities and skills this season.

He is now the main man leading the Home title challenge and nobody can dispute that.

It is confirmed Home United and Singapore defender Ismail Yunos has suffer ACL, MCL and LCL injuries.

This is a terrible piece of news for the 23-year-old as he is not only out for the season but he may need 6 months (But it take as long as a year as well judging from other players recovery) to recover.

Therefore, the defender is fearfully of his future in the game as by the time he recover, his contract with Home United will be over and the Bishan club may not want to re-sign him as he will not have the time to prove his full recovery.

Other than that, he is fearfully of facing another long road to recovery as the last time he was out, he took nearly 13 months to fully recover and it was the mental torture he fear as he could not do anything like even drinking something as simple as cola during that period.

His club, Home United, meanwhile have offered their support to the player and told him to focus on his recovery.

National Coach Radojko Avramovic has named a 22-strong squad with a balance of young and experienced players for his Singapore Selection side to take on English side Burnley on Saturday 24 July in the FIS Asian Challenge Cup at Jalan Besar Stadium.

A total of 10 players from the Young Lions have been called up, including captain Hariss Harun, defender Safuwan Baharudin and top scorer Khairul Nizam. Experienced senior internationals such as the likes of Shahril Ishak, John Wilkinson, Shi Jiayi, Khairul Amri, Qiu Li and Agu Casmir are also on the list.

SAFFC custodian Shahril Jantan has been rewarded for his consistent form for the Warriors by earning his first international call-up since the 2004 Tiger Cup.

Avramovic said, “This match is a very good opportunity for us to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in November. We have included a good mix of players bearing in mind that we are allowed to bring three overage players with us to China. Burnley is a good side and they will provide the players with strong competition.”

Home United and Singapore defender Ismail Yunos is facing the possibility he may have to retire from the game as he suffer his second terrible injury in as many years.

According to SPH Straits Times, his left knee may have snapped due to the challenge he received in the Albirex Niigata (S) game from their skipper Mitsuki Ichihara and as a result, he may have suffered ACL, MCL and LCL injuries. (In other words, his knee could be gone)

The last time, Ismail suffered a similar type of ACL injury, he took over an entire season to recover and he only make his comeback in April this year.

The 23-year-old may not have even make it as he had consulted six specialists who told him to retire from the game before the seventh operated on him thus saving his career.

Now, he may be unable to tempt fate anymore as he await the MRI scan which will tell him how serious his injury is this time.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

It that time of the season where 3 points mean everything and draw or loss mean disaster.

That why Etoile FC 2-1 win over the Young Lions will take on more significance than the fact it was the Cubs second defeat in 14 matches at the Cubs Den.

It mean well mean the difference in keeping out Home United out of the title race and, who know, maybe Tampines Rovers as well at the end of the season.

The French certainly knew that and they went for the juggler right from the start with Karim Boudjema and then skipper Matthias Verschave scoring from the start.

They were two goals up in 10 minutes and the Cubs morale must be surely destroyed for let not forget they are a U23 side.

If that was the strategy, then it has clearly worked and the Young Lions have little hope to recover after that.

Khalili D'cruz, who is on a scoring run after hitting in both the two friendly against Myanmar earlier in the month, did it again as he finally notched his first S-league goal in his short career (He only make his debut in the second half of last year)

But it was not enough after the terrible start of the Young Lions and they have to learn from it that conceding goals is bad and if we are talking two, then it is a disaster for we are giving opponents too much of a head start.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

A 2-2 draw with Albirex Niigata (S) at Jurong East have seem Home United championship hopes hang by a thread.

They must now hope the Young Lions, boasted by surely a tired, if not jet-lag, Harris Harun, can pulled off a similar, if not better, result against leaders Etoile FC and even then it may not be good enough as there is also Tampines Rovers.

Therefore this result is the worst possible outcome for Home United who needed the 3 points.

Now, Etoile FC can pulled 6 points away and Tampines Rovers 4 points away and games to pull them back are dwindling.

They can looked back at what might have been but conceding an early goal is bad way to start an away game with Takaya Sugasawa scoring after 21 minutes.

After that, it took international Shi Jiayi to give them hopes as he pulled them level but with only 10 minutes left.

Left with no choice but to go for it, they conceded a second through Takaya Sugasawa again before an injury-time goal by another international Shahril Ishak rescued a point.

However, just as it was not enough to win this match it looked like it is not enough to win this year championship even as they closed the gap to 3 points now.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Home United
The White Swans are enjoying a honeymoon period after making changes in the transfer window. But this is Home United who have signaled they are back. 6 wins on the trot along with 6 shutout signal a championship run at a crucial part of the title race. The Protectors cannot failed now as any mistake would mean the front-runners of Etoile FC and Tampines Rovers will pull away. Win or bust. That is the reality they faced and Home must show they can tackle the pressure. 2-1 to Home United

Young Lions vs Etoile FC
The Cubs need Hariss Harun. Short and simple. The French need to win this one. Short and simple again. The outcome therefore could be an Etoile win even if it is at the Cubs Den. 1-0 to Etoile FC

Gombak United vs Geylang United
I am afraid to think about this match because just thinking is already making me sleepy. That how boring I expect this match could become. Two side shy about scoring and both equally ultra-defensive. Nothing else to say. 0-0 draw (before I fall asleep)

Woodlands Wellington vs Albirex Niigata (S)
Another thrashing for the Rams? Not likely as it is Albirex Niigata (S) but a defeat could be expected. Until Abdelhadi Laakkad is back and fit, not recovering or just recover, the Rams have no goal threat. No goal mean no win and if your defence cannot stop leaking goals then it become a defeat. 1-0 to Albirex Niigata (S)

SAFFC vs Home United
Nothing like the Uniform Derby to test Home United championship qualities. If they want their third championship, they need to get past SAFFC. After all, this will be the start of the third round of matches for Home and they do not have the games to recover anymore if they fall as one will expect the front-runners to be in prime condition for the end of the season championship run-in. A champion make fewer mistakes than their opponent and that what Home United cannot afford at this moment as they have used up their 'quotas' months ago. 3-2 to Home United

Balestier Khalsa vs Tampines Rovers
This looked a tough assignment for the Stags as the Tigers are no whipping boys now. In years gone by, it is a guarantee three points. Now, the Stags will have to battle for it and with 12 matches left, there can be no more mistakes like the Eastern Derby draw. The Stags need this win and they have the players to win it. So no excuses even if the Tigers are stronger now than previous years. 3-1 to the Stags

Sengkang Punggol vs Beijing Gouan (S)
The Dolphins have make major changes in the transfer window and likewise the Chinese side. Who will benefit from it more? In theory, it should be the Dolphins as the Chinese lost 6 guarantee first teamers and it included their top scorer. But the Dolphins recruits hardly filled one with confidence. Let say it a draw. 1-1 draw then

Two-time Champions Tampines Rovers took full advantage of a slip up by Etoile FC to close the gap at the top to two points.

The Stags make no mistake to destroy the Dolphins 3-0 at the Tampines Stadium.

Akihiro Nakamura, Qiu Li and Khariul Amri got the goals for the Stags as the Dolphins just fell apart.

In other games, the Cubs fell to Beijing Gouan (S) 0-1 at the Yishun Stadium as they felt the loss of skipper Hariss Harun, who is on trial with Shanghai Shenhua, while Geylang United drew 0-0 with Balestier Khalsa at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

It seem like old times again as Indra notched a goal while SAFFC go on a rampage.

After all, this is what happen in the domestic scene in years gone by with the Warriors a dominating force while Indra score goals for fun (for other clubs though)

But the new reality is it was Woodlands Wellington and this Northern club have suffered a thrashing in two of their last three outings and if they were hoping for a better outing at Jalan Besar, they counted their chickens wrongly.

That was why the 4-0 scoreline at the end for the Champions neither falter them nor tell us if the Warriors are back.

But it tell us Indra got his 199 domestic goals after a dry spell with his last goal back one month ago on June 1th against Geylang United.

Now he just need 1 more to reach 200th domestic goals and with the Warriors next opponent Home United, what better team to get that goal as this was the club where Indra got his 100th goal back in 2003 and they are the Warriors arch-rival.

It will be the perfect goal in the prefect setting as Home United former legend Egmar Goncalves knew it as he got his 100th S-league goals against SAFFC back in 2001 with four on the night.

In this match -against Woodlands Wellington - though, Park Tae Won got a brace with Hafiz Osman scoring one as well.

A resurgent Home United defeated Gombak United 2-0 to close the gap at the top to four points as Leaders Etoile FC fall to a 0-1 defeat against Albirex Niigata (S).

Singapore international Shi Jiayi fired in the opener for the Protectors before newly-recruited Korean Jun Woo Keun notched the second goal to kill off the Bulls.

For Leaders Etoile FC, it was disappointing outing as their defence was once again breached with Kazuki Kobayashi netted the all-deciding goal and this time the French side failed to breach their opponent defence in return.

That mean the White Swans, along Gombak United, are the only sides to have successfully kept out the French attack twice this season and it impact could have a say at the end of the season.

Last week Preview - Got 2 right and 5 wrong
Home United vs Gombak United
The Protectors are on a roll and they could win this one. The Bulls are tough but they are beatable and the Protectors have the players to do that. If they are indeed still aiming for the championship, then there is no excuse why they do not go for it at this point. With only about a third of the season to end, they have no choice after their terrible start to the season. 2-1 to Home United

Etoile FC vs Albirex Niigata (S)
The French side are on a roll and they have managed to retain a number of their key players. Therefore, all the White Swans can hope for is a off-day in front of goal by the French strikers like the last time they met. It tough considering the current circumstances and the French could walk away with all three points. 2-0 to Etoile FC

Woodlands Wellington vs SAFFC
The Warriors attack main problem as I have mention is Indra is their top scorer. He is still a good player but no longer a 25-goal player and every championship team need that. As for their new Uruguayan striker, the less I write the better. He is a FLOP. For Erwan Gunawan, no disrespect to him but if the Warriors depend on him, then they will be closer to their opponent than Etoile FC. They need a 25-goal man and Richard Bok have to find him next season. 3-0 to the soon-to-be-dethroned Champions

Tampines Rovers vs Sengkang Punggol
If the Stags cannot defeat the Dolphins then their title hopes are really over. But is it even possible for the Dolphins do even snatch a point from this game? In dreamland, maybe. The squad of the Dolphins is nothing compare to the Stags and the Eastern giant have no right not to collect all three points on offer. 3-0 to the Stags

Beijing Gouan (S) vs Young Lions
After a brilliant period where they collect all the points available, the Cubs are starting to drop points. They are drawing too many games at this point and this could be yet another draw. There look nothing to separate both sides. 1-1 draw

Geylang United vs Balestier Khalsa
The Eagles are still a tough nut to crack. But with Rivaldo, I always believe the Tigers will have a chance to win. The Eagles do not fully utilise Peter Tomko like the Tigers with Rivaldo. That why the Eagles have only score 20 goals compared to the 27 goals for the Tigers. One need goals to win and the Tigers have it in them. 2-1 to the Tigers